March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day, and Indianapolis is blessed with many who claim the Emerald Isle in their DNA. With this year’s festivities falling on a Friday, it will be very easy for the party to slip over into Saturday, with lots of green beer, Irish whiskey, and great music and food.
The official kick-off, with the Greening of the Canal and Shamrock Run Walk happens on Thursday, March 16 at 5 p.m., with the Mayor and the 2023 Irish Citizen of the Year, John J. Quinn.
McGinley’s Golden Ace Inn, located at 2533 E. Washington St., just celebrated its 90th Anniversary, and is planning a big bash on March 17 beginning at noon inside with Patrick Grant, then in the big tent with Deardaoin, Liam & Liam from County Galway at 3 p.m., followed by The Bare Minimum from County Offaly at 5:30 in the tent, and closing out with J.P. & the Donegal Boys at 9 p.m. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. and it will be cash only. You must be 21 and older to attend. Admission is $10.
Si Greene’s St. Patrick’s Day is sure to be memorable as well. Located at the corner of E. 10th St. and Emerson, the pub will feature music and delightful drinks and fun with Irish flair. It will be cash only.
Manley’s Irish Mutt, located at 10th and Shadeland, will feature all things Irish, as it always does. On St. Patrick’s Day, swing by for beer, whiskey, and enjoy the company of pretty much everyone on the east side. It will be a cash only celebration, so come prepared.
Downtown, the Athletic Club Foundation will put on the 41st annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, with festivities beginning at 9:30 a.m. with the parade tent and block party downtown. There will be a family-friendly parade with Irish-themed floats and balloons, marching bands and more. The tent party goes on to 3 p.m. and features Irish music, beer and fun. Food trucks will be available, and there will be beer. It’s all happening on North St. between Meridian and Pennsylvania downtown.
The Blarney Bash at Monument Circle is for adults from 1:30-10:00 p.m. on the Circle March 17. Enjoy beverages, food, and entertainment. Tickets are available online for $10 at do317.com/events/2023/3/17/blarney-bash-tickets#
Originally celebrated as the Feast of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, it marked the official date of his death around 461. It is said that St. Patrick converted thousands of the Irish to the Catholic faith. The celebration was brought to America with the great Irish migration in the 20th Century, evolving into a day of merriment and celebrating the Irish culture. Catholics also attend church services to celebrate the saint.
Expect increased road sobriety and police presence in the area to prevent drunk driving. If you celebrate, please make plans to get home safely, either by cab or ride share, or have a designated driver.